The 15 Best Things Do in Washington DC For First Timers

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Anyone visiting the United States of America cannot miss a chance to visit the Nation’s Capital, Washington D.C.

It’s a popular tourist destination for those looking to see architectural wonders and explore some of the best museums in the country.

There are so many things to do in Washington D.C. that provide you with an opportunity to learn about America’s history, making it one of our favorite places in the USA for history buffs.

But Washington D.C. has more than history, it also has plenty of green spaces, markets, festivals, and plenty of ways to have active fun.

If you’re not sure what to do in Washington DC for your first visit, then below are our top attractions and some necessary travel tips to help you plan your trip.

Things to Do in Washington D.C.

1. Visit the City’s Museums

When it comes to museums, Washington D.C. is a city that beats all others. The Smithsonian museums are a collection of museums that are the most famous and celebrated in the United States, and are known all over the world.

The Smithsonian museums include the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum (don’t miss the Udvar-Hazy extension) which has the largest collection of aviation and space artifacts in the world, National Museum of African-American History and Culture, the National Museum of American History, and National Museum of Natural History.

Another great thing about visiting DC is that all of the Smithsonian Institution museums (including the zoo) are free! If you’re looking for free things to do in Washington DC, then museum hopping is the best activity.

Although not part of the Smithsonian institution, the National Building Museum and the International Spy Museum are also worth checking out.

If you have more time, the Holocaust Museum, National Museum of the American Indian, and Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden are also said to be very good, but they wouldn’t be the top of my list if I only had a few days in Washington D.C.

2. See the Monuments on The National Mall

The most recognizable attraction in Washington D.C. is the National Mall, a historic and iconic area that’s home to several famous monuments and memorials, including the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, and Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

It also houses the National World War II Memorial, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and the Korean War Veterans Memorial.

You can easily get around the Mall on foot, but a more convenient and memorable way to get from monument to monument is to rent a bike and cycle.

The Mall is not only famous for its monuments but is also the site of many historic events, including the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963 and all the Presidential Inauguration ceremonies.

3. Explore the Library of Congress

Another iconic and historic attraction not to miss is The Library of Congress, which we felt was the most beautiful building in the city. The library is the largest in the world, and is home to an extensive collection of books, manuscripts, maps, photographs, and other materials.

Visiting the library as a tourist is a little different, since you can’t just walk into the library’s many reading rooms and galleries. You can however see the iconic Main Reading Room, which is a famous circular space filled with wooden desks illuminated by antique lamps, and a stunning domed ceiling with impressive architectural details.

The Library of Congress also houses several notable pieces in its collection that are on display, such as the Gutenberg Bible, and Thomas Jefferson’s personal library.

You can learn more about what there is to see and how to visit the Library of Congress in our complete guide here.

4. Visit the United States Capitol Building

The United States Capitol building serves as the home of the United States Congress and is the seat of the legislative branch of the U.S. federal government. It was also once the home to The Supreme Court, which has now been moved to another building across the road.

Not only is the Capitol building known for its impressive architecture, but it’s also a great place to tour and learn about the nation’s legislative process.

Some of our favorite rooms in the US Capitol building was the Rotunda, which houses famous paintings and sculptures and has this amazing domed ceiling, and the National Statuary Hall, which has two statues of prominent citizens representing each state.

You can also visit the Senate and House of Representatives chambers, as well as the Crypt, which has many historical artifacts on display.

You can read more about visiting the U.S. Capitol Building in our complete guide here.

5. Explore the Georgetown Neighborhood

A great area many tourists miss is Georgetown, because there’s no metro access. Although, you can get a metro to The Foggy Bottom-GWU Metro station on the blue, orange, and silver lines, and walk for about 15 minutes.

This historic neighborhood is the poshest in the city, with stunning homes, great restaurants and the best shopping in town.

You can also visit Georgetown Waterfront Park where you can rent canoes and kayaks from Thompson Boat Center and see the neighborhood from a new perspective.

You can learn more about Georgetown in our 3-day itinerary to DC and Washington DC in 48 hours itinerary.

6. Visit a Political Bar

Since DC is a political town, there’s no shortage of watering holes. To rub elbows with Congressional types, head to Hawk and Dove where you may spot some recognizable faces.

If you want to explore the city’s nightlife, without a doubt the Dupont Circle is the area to go to. You will also find lots of cool and quirky bars on U Street Corridor, which is packed with Victorian homes and African American culture.

It was this neighborhood where Langston Hughes, one of the most famous black poets, and Duke Ellington, rose to fame.

Head to Ben’s Chili Bowl, the home of Washington DC’s original half-smoke, for some tasty chili.

It has a mix of young Bohemians and polished professionals, and there’s an abundance of restaurants, bars and clubs in this active neighborhood.

7. Shop at Eastern Market

Locals all know and love Eastern Market, a DC institution. Built in 1873, Eastern Market was in continuous operation until 2007, when a devastating fire closed the historic structure until it reopened in 2009.

Located just a few blocks from the U.S. Capitol, during the week the market offers fantastic fresh meats, cheeses, and produce from a variety of local farmers and vendors.

It is on the weekends though that Eastern Market explodes into a frenzy of food and art. Every Saturday and Sunday vendors from all over the Mid-Atlantic descend on Washington to sell their arts and crafts, antiques, and food. It can get quite busy, so be sure to visit early.

8. Attend the Smithsonian Folklife Festival

Since we’re the capital city, there are always major events, concerts, and festivals going on, but my favorite is the Smithsonian Folklife Festival.

This annual festival is a two-week international exposition of living cultural heritage and provided free of charge on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

It also overlaps with the Independence Day / Fourth of July celebrations and together the events showcase Washington at its best with live music, fireworks over the Potomac River, and other performances.

9. Take a Day Trip to Mount Vernon

One of my favorite day trips is to nearby Mount Vernon, the George Washington estate. (entry included in the Sightseeing Pass or you can book a tour here. )

It’s a beautiful property right on the Potomac and they’ve done a great job making the experience interesting and fun for everyone who visits.

For an overnight escape, Maryland’s Eastern Shore is only a couple of hours away. The Eastern Shore sits on the Chesapeake Bay and the many small towns lining this historic part of the state are fun to explore.

10. Visit Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts

Even though it’s located outside of DC, near Dulles Airport, Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts is one of my favorite area attractions.

Founded in 1966 as the result of a gift of 100 acres of Northern Virginia farmland, Wolf Trap is the only National Park in the United States devoted to the performing arts.

This massive facility offers year-round programming through the Barns at Wolf Trap and the Filene Center. The best time to visit is in the summer when a variety of acts, from Bill Cosby to Chicago, all perform onstage at the Filene Center.

The least expensive tickets at the Filene Center are, in my opinion, the most enjoyable – the lawn seats. Over the years, patrons have made lawn seating a tailgating event, bringing elaborate picnics to enjoy before the evening shows.

11. Tour the White House

Perhaps the most famous building in the U.S. is The White House, the historic residence and workplace of the United States President.

While you cannot visit the entire White House building, there are numerous public rooms you can explore, including the East Room, the Blue Room, the Red Room, and the State Dining Room.

These rooms are adorned with exquisite furnishings, artwork, and historical artifacts. You can also visit the famous Rose Garden and South Lawn, which are often used for official ceremonies and events.

12. Visit the Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery is a must-visit for first time visitors to Washington D.C. as a way to pay respects to the nation’s fallen heroes.

The cemetery is the final resting place for thousands of military veterans, as well as being the final resting place of President John F. Kennedy and his family.

Don’t miss the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which is guarded by the prestigious 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, also known as “The Old Guard.”

There is a changing of the guard ceremony every hour, on the hour, from October 1 – March 31, and every half hour from April 1 – September 30.

The cemetery also features the Arlington House, the former home of Robert E. Lee.

13. Take the Kids to the National Children’s Museum

If you’re visiting with kids who may not appreciate of be inspired by all the historical attractions, then take them to the National Children’s Museum, an interactive space that offers a variety of hands-on exhibits focused on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM).

Children can explore different themed areas, participate in creative workshops, and engage in imaginative play.

14. Visit the National Archives

The National Archives is a small building, but it’s where you can find the original Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and Bill of Rights.

Admission is free but there is usually a long queue so you’ll want to book a timed entry ticket in advance.

15. Watch a Concert at The Anthem

The Anthem is one of the newest attractions in the city, and is a huge music and performance venue in the Waterfront neighborhood.

The 57,000-square-foot venue opened in 2017 with a performance by the Foo Fighters, and has a capacity of just 6,000 guests.

What makes it unique is that the balconies are closer to the stage than traditional venues so you can always get a good view.

Be sure to check out the “what’s on” calendar to see who’s performing when you visit.

Best Time of Year to Visit DC

The best time to visit Washington D.C. is the Fall. The weather is comfortable, many tourists have gone home, and you can enjoy the city in a less-harried way.

The worst time to visit DC is in the middle of summer. It’s like walking through hell, not just because of the heat but the amount of people! Avoid it if you can.

Getting To and Around Washington D.C.

Washington D.C. is easy to get to, because it’s lucky to be serviced by three major airports, although Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is the most convenient.

Southwest Airlines has a growing presence, but there’s not a strong budget airline in the area.

You can also catch trains and buses extremely easy to take from New York or Philadelphia. Bolt Bus and Megabus both run frequently and feature some cool onboard amenities.

When it comes to getting around, the metro is the best form of public transportation and is great for getting around town quickly and easily. I personally think it’s easy to understand, but I’m biased.

Parts of DC are walkable, but not all, of course. The main tourist area around the National Mall is easy to navigate on foot, but can be grueling on a hot summer’s day. You can also rent a bike and cycle, which is a popular way to get around the main tourist attractions.

Where to Stay in DC

For the ultra-budget traveler, there are hostels in DC of course, but my advice for the moderate budget traveler is to stay outside of the District and travel in – it will save you more in the long run.

Crystal City in Arlington, Virginia is accessible via the metro and a quick ride from the city. Because it’s not in DC though, the hotels tend to be less expensive.

If you want to stay in the city center, given the number of high-ranking officials who visit from around the world, there are plenty of high-end hotels.

On our last visit to DC, we stayed at the The Madison Hotel on 15^th street only a couple of blocks away from the White House. We could walk everywhere – Georgetown was even a 3-minute walk from our hotel. The room was comfortable but most important of all, was the convenient location. Book your stay here.

Alternatively, some of the most popular DC hotels are:

• The Hay-Adams
• The Mayflower Hotel
• The Willard InterContinental
• The Ritz-Carlton
• and the Omni Shoreham are all fantastic choices.

You can use the map below to find more places to stay in DC:

Final Thoughts

Washington D.C. is a big city that doesn’t seem like it. It doesn’t have skyscrapers or dazzling contemporary attractions.

It feels far fro a concrete jungle, and instead, is packed with amazing historic buildings, lots of green spaces, and neighborhoods that have tremendous character.

I hope this guide helped you pick some attractions and things to do on your visit, and gave you a good insight into what it’s like to visit the American capital.